10 Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop for Your Vehicle

Honda owners typically enjoy a low cost of ownership due to the high-quality and reliable build of their vehicles. However, every car requires routine maintenance now and again. Sometimes, with older cars, you may need to have serious repairs done, which can be expensive. 

With so much money on the line, you'll want to find an auto repair shop that you trust. How do you find a reliable repair shop? We'll go over the top ten tips for finding the right repair shop for your Honda.

Check out Online Reviews

One of the first steps you should take when finding a shop for your Honda service is to check out online reviews. Most Honda dealers and independent repair shops have an online presence. It's important to check out their Google or Yelp reviews to see what customers are saying about them. You should look for businesses that have a majority of good reviews, with comments about great customer service, communication, and repair work. 

Ask Your Network for Recommendations

While online reviews are a great way to learn more about a repair shop, you should also ask your family, friends, coworkers, and others in your social network for recommendations. The chances are high that someone knows a good auto repair shop. Or, at least knows a shop to avoid. 

Additionally, you may want to ask someone who also has a Honda. If they are under warranty, they'll likely have recommendations on the best local dealer and can direct you to them. 

Make Sure the Shop Has Proper Certifications

Before you let a technician work on your car, you'll want to know they have the proper certifications. These certifications indicate that the technician has the specialized knowledge and training to perform the repairs on your vehicle. At independent auto dealerships, you'll want to look at these closely, as you'll want to find someone that's familiar with your Honda. 

The great thing about heading to a dealer for your repairs, though, is that you can feel confident they know how to work on your car. Technicians at Honda dealerships are specifically trained to work on your vehicle, so you don't have to worry about whether the job is being done right. 

Compare the Rates With Other Shops

For serious repairs, the cost of the job may be high. You'll want to consider the rates of multiple shops to find the best deal. However, it's important to balance quality and service with price. While you may find that an auto repair shop offers rock-bottom rates, their reviews may indicate low-quality service and repairs that don't hold up. 

Consider the Customer Service

While you may not consider customer service to be the most significant factor for serious repairs on your car, the quality of service and communication skills of the technician is an important part of deciding where to take your Honda for service. Visiting the shop in person or making a phone call can indicate how well the shop is run. If you find professionalism lacking at the shop, you should keep looking for other repair shop options.

See If They Have Specialized Experience

When choosing the right auto repair shop for your Honda service, you'll want to consider if the technicians have experience working with your type of vehicle. Why does this matter? Various makes and models require different knowledge, parts, and specifications. For example, you'll want to head to a dealer or repair shop that specializes in Hondas. They'll have easy access to the right parts and be prepared to deliver quality service in a short amount of time. 

Pop Into the Shop for a Minor Repair or Routine Maintenance

It's a good idea to find a reliable repair shop before you need to take your vehicle in for major repairs. Taking your car in for minor repairs or maintenance work is a smart way to check out the shop. You'll be able to consider their customer service, communication, and skill level. Plus, this way, there won't be a lot of money on the line if things don't go well. 

Consider the Location

While there are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing a repair shop, you shouldn't overlook convenience. The location of the auto repair shop can be an important factor. A shop that is nearby to your home and work is essential for convenience. If you take your Honda in for regular maintenance service, you'll want a place nearby. Typically, most people don't want to drive over an hour for a simple oil change. 

Read up on Their Policies

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an auto repair shop is their warranties or guarantees. When you hand over your Honda for service, you want to feel confident that the job will get done right. If it's not done right, you'll want to know that the shop will fix the problem. Reading up on the shop's guarantees and policies is important. If the place offers clear information about its commitment to quality repairs, that's a good sign the shop is reliable. 

Choosing Brickell Honda for Your Service Needs

Hondas are reliable cars that are well known for their longevity. However, even with Hondas, you'll want to find the right auto repair shop for your service and repair needs to ensure your vehicle's lifespan and performance capabilities. At Brickell Honda, we offer top-quality service for all Honda vehicles. Our technicians are properly trained and experienced to handle your car's repairs and maintenance needs. If you're ready to find a reliable and high-quality repair shop, you can schedule an appointment with our service department.